Remission of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: Case report and review of the literature

• Published in: Journal of pediatric neurosciences 2021-01, Vol.16 (1), p.1-4
• Main Authors: Espirito Santo, Vera, Passos, Joao, Nzwalo, Hipolito, Nunes, Sofia, Salgado, Duarte
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain cancer; Cancer; Case reports; Chemotherapy; Diagnosis; Glioma; Gliomas; Pediatrics; Review
• ISSN: 1817-1745; 1998-3948
• DOI: 10.4103/jpn.JPN_85_20

Background: Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is one of the most aggressive pediatric tumors. Approximately 60% of pediatric DMG patients die within the first year of diagnosis. Complete clinical and radiological remission of DMG is extremely rare. The objective of this study was to describe a case of remission of pediatric DMG and to compare with similar cases published so far. Results: DMG was diagnosed in a 2-year-old girl who presented with brainstem and increased intracranial pressure manifestations. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt and chemotherapy-based treatment were offered. From the diagnosis, in spite of progressive enlargement of the tumoral lesion, her clinical condition improved remarkably. After the end of chemotherapy, progressive and gradual imagiological improvements occurred. At the end of the 60th month of follow-up, she was asymptomatic with total remission. Six pediatric DMG cases, from birth to the age of 3, in whom remission occurred were found in the literature. Histology sample was available in two of them (fibrillary astrocytoma-WHO Grade II and anaplastic astrocytoma-WHO Grade III). None received chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Conclusion: Remission of pediatric DMG is extremely rare and reinforces the biological heterogeneity of the tumor. In the absence of reliable predictors of prognosis, offering the best supportive treatment, including neurosurgical interventions should be considered in similar cases.